The 2002 Honda Passport: Engine, Size, and Basic Specs

The 2002 Honda Passport is a mid-size sport utility vehicle built on the same platform as the Isuzu Rodeo. It came with a 3.2-liter V6 engine producing 215 horsepower and 230 pound-feet of torque, paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle measured roughly 183 inches long and 70 inches wide, making it compact enough for city driving but spacious enough for five passengers and cargo.

Honda offered the Passport in two trim levels that year: the LX and the EX. Both came standard with four-wheel drive, though two-wheel drive was available on the LX model. The EX added leather seats, a power sunroof, and upgraded audio equipment compared to the base LX. Curb weight ranged from about 4,400 to 4,600 pounds depending on drivetrain and trim.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2002 Passport uses a 3.2-liter V6 engine with 215 horsepower and comes standard with four-wheel drive on most trims.
  • Fuel economy was approximately 16 to 18 miles per gallon in combined driving, typical for SUVs of that size and era.
  • The vehicle seats five passengers and has a cargo capacity of roughly 75 cubic feet with the rear seats folded.
  • Common maintenance items include timing belt replacement around 105,000 miles and regular transmission fluid changes to prevent shifting problems.
  • The Passport was discontinued after 2002, making used examples increasingly difficult to find and parts availability limited compared to more common models.

Fuel Economy and Real-World Mileage

The 2002 Passport achieved approximately 16 to 18 miles per gallon in combined city and highway driving, depending on whether you had the manual or automatic transmission and how much weight you typically carried. The manual transmission versions were slightly more efficient. Highway driving yielded better mileage—often reaching 19 to 20 mpg on longer trips—while city driving dropped to around 15 mpg or lower in heavy traffic.

These numbers were standard for SUVs of that size in 2002. If you own one now, actual mileage will vary based on driving habits, road conditions, and how well the engine has been maintained. A vehicle with a clogged air filter or worn spark plugs will see noticeably worse fuel economy than one that has been serviced regularly.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

The Passport's interior offered 75 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded flat, and about 40 cubic feet with all five seats in use. The rear seats folded in a 60/40 split, so you could keep one side up for passengers while using the other side for cargo. The cargo area had tie-down points and a power rear window that could open independently of the tailgate, useful for carrying longer items.

The cabin had decent headroom and legroom for front passengers, though the back seat was tighter—acceptable for children or short trips with adults, but not ideal for long drives with full occupancy. Climate control was manual on the LX and automatic on the EX. Storage cubbies were limited compared to modern SUVs, with a small glove box and door pockets being the main options.

Common Mechanical Issues and Maintenance Needs

The 2002 Passport's V6 engine is generally reliable, but several maintenance items come up regularly on used examples. The timing belt should be replaced around 105,000 miles—this is not optional, as a broken timing belt will cause severe engine damage. Transmission fluid changes every 30,000 to 50,000 miles help prevent shifting delays and rough engagement, problems that show up in many higher-mileage examples.

Cooling system components, including the water pump and radiator hoses, often need attention in vehicles over 15 years old. The air conditioning system may require refrigerant recharge or compressor replacement. Suspension bushings and ball joints wear over time and should be inspected during routine service. Brake pads and rotors are normal wear items, but some owners report that the rear brakes can wear unevenly if the vehicle sits for extended periods.

The four-wheel drive system is straightforward and durable, but transfer case fluid should be changed periodically. Check the condition of the spark plugs, engine air filter, and cabin air filter during regular maintenance—these directly affect fuel economy and engine performance.

Safety Features and Crash Test Information

The 2002 Passport came with dual front airbags as standard equipment. Side-impact airbags were not offered that year. The vehicle had anti-lock brakes on all four wheels and stability control was not available—electronic stability control did not become common on SUVs until the mid-2000s. The Passport had a three-point seatbelt system with pretensioners on the front seats.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) conducted crash tests on the Passport. Results showed moderate protection in frontal crashes but lower scores in side-impact testing compared to some competitors. The vehicle's higher center of gravity and lighter construction compared to modern SUVs mean it offers less protection than current models. If you are considering a 2002 Passport as a daily driver, understand that safety technology and structural design have advanced significantly in the past two decades.

Parts Availability and Repair Costs

Finding parts for a 2002 Passport has become increasingly challenging because Honda discontinued the model after 2002 and production numbers were never high. Engine and transmission components are still available through Honda dealers and aftermarket suppliers, but body panels, trim pieces, and interior components can be difficult to locate. Some parts interchange with the Isuzu Rodeo, which may expand your options slightly.

Labor costs for repairs depend on your location and the shop you choose, but expect to pay standard rates for routine maintenance. Specialized work like timing belt replacement or transmission service will cost more because the job requires significant labor time. Buying used parts from salvage yards is an option if you are restoring a vehicle, but availability varies by region and what you are looking for.

Why the Passport Was Discontinued

Honda stopped making the Passport after 2002 because the model never achieved strong sales in the United States. The CR-V, Honda's smaller crossover SUV, was gaining popularity and offered better fuel economy and easier handling. The Passport competed in a crowded mid-size SUV segment against the Toyota 4Runner, Jeep Grand Cherokee, and Chevrolet Blazer, all of which had larger dealer networks and stronger brand recognition in that category.

The Passport also shared its platform with the Isuzu Rodeo, and as Honda's relationship with Isuzu shifted, the business case for continuing the Passport weakened. By the early 2000s, consumers were moving toward smaller, more fuel-efficient SUVs and crossovers, leaving less room for a vehicle in the Passport's size and price range. Today, the 2002 Passport is a niche vehicle—valued by owners who appreciate its simplicity and durability, but increasingly rare on the used market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many miles can a 2002 Honda Passport typically last?

With regular maintenance, the Passport's V6 engine can run well past 200,000 miles. The key is staying on top of timing belt replacement at 105,000 miles, keeping up with fluid changes, and addressing cooling system issues promptly. Many owners report vehicles running reliably into the 150,000 to 180,000-mile range with proper care.

Is the 2002 Passport good for towing?

The Passport has a towing capacity of around 3,500 pounds with the automatic transmission and proper equipment installed. This is adequate for small trailers, jet skis, or light recreational loads, but not suitable for large boat trailers or heavy construction equipment. Always verify the specific towing capacity for your model year and transmission type before towing anything.

What is the difference between the LX and EX trim levels?

The EX adds leather upholstery, a power sunroof, upgraded audio with a CD changer, and power windows and locks. The LX came with cloth seats, manual windows and locks, and a basic audio system. Both trims came with four-wheel drive as standard, though the LX could be ordered with two-wheel drive to reduce cost.

Can I use modern replacement parts on a 2002 Passport?

Some modern parts will fit, particularly engine components like spark plugs, filters, and belts. However, body panels, interior trim, and some electrical components are specific to the Passport and cannot be easily substituted with parts from other Honda models. Check with a Honda dealer or experienced mechanic before assuming a part will work.

How does the 2002 Passport compare to the Honda CR-V?

The Passport is larger, more rugged, and offers more cargo space, while the CR-V is more fuel-efficient, easier to drive, and has better reliability records. The Passport is body-on-frame construction, making it more capable off-road; the CR-V is unibody, making it more car-like to drive. If you need a true SUV for occasional off-road use, the Passport is the better choice. For daily commuting and family hauling, the CR-V is more practical.